The opening ceremony of the State Oil Fund of the Republic of Azerbaijan's (SOFAZ) annual Summer Internship Program has been held.

The Program, which aims to support the professional development of young people, create conditions for unlocking their potential, and contribute to the formation of a highly skilled human capital base for the future, attracted more than 1,600 applications this year. Following a multi-stage selection process, 28 students were granted the right to participate.

Addressing the interns at the opening ceremony, Sayad Alasgarova, Chief Specialist of the Human Resources Department, provided detailed information on the Program's goals and objectives, the activities envisaged during the internship period, and the expectations from participants.

Konul Javadova, Deputy Director of the Risk Management Department, shared the professional experience she has gained during her tenure at the Fund and offered recommendations on personal development. She placed particular emphasis on the importance of purposefulness, analytical thinking, and openness to continuous learning for young professionals in building their careers.

Fuad Iskandarov, Chief Trader at the Fixed Income Securities and Equities Division of the Investment Department and a former participant of SOFAZ's internship program, spoke about the value the Program had added to his professional growth and the career path he has followed at the Fund, sharing his recommendations with the audience. Gunay Shamilzade, Analyst at the Private Equity Markets Division of the same department and likewise a former intern, spoke about the role the Program played in her professional development and the experience she gained through it.

Over the course of the eight-week Program, participants will join SOFAZ's professional team, take part in day-to-day operations, and develop their practical knowledge and skills under the guidance of designated mentors.

Furthermore, within the framework of a pilot initiative, SOFAZ plans to organize a dedicated training program in cooperation with Franklin Templeton, one of the world's leading investment management firms. In its initial phase, the program will cover participants undertaking internships in the Risk management and Investment departments. Developed by a firm with 75 years of industry experience and USD 1.64 trillion in assets under management, the training program will be delivered through live virtual sessions and a podcast format, with the aim of fostering participants' personal and professional development while deepening their knowledge of investment. Its scope is expected to be expanded in the years ahead.